Considering filing for disability...

ranyhyn · Aug 29, 2015

Hello everyone,

To the moderators - I am not 100% sure that this is the correct forum / area to post this kind of thread. If this would be more appropriate in another location I would ask that it be moved to where it belongs.

I know that there are people here on CF that are all over the world. This thread is going to specifically apply to the US because that's where I live. I'm considering filing for disability and I wanted to see if anyone on here has any info, advice, etc that they can provide to help me make my decision. I am currently employed full-time, but over the last two years I've had a somewhat rough go health-wise and I'm afraid I might be in jeopardy of losing my job because of it.

I am a type 2 diabetic I was diagnosed when I was 21 and I'm now 42. I have a family history of diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Two years ago I developed a pressure ulcer on my left great toe. I have severe neuropathy in my toes and feet. At the same time I went in for my annual eye exam and found out that I had diabetic retinopathy as well. I had to have laser surgery on both eyes (Focal Point Laser). Over the next year I continued to deal with the ulcer on my toe and my eyesight not getting any better.

I know that the problems I was / am having are mostly related to my diabetes. I have not had good control over the last few years even though I'm on an insulin pump. Last August (08/2014) I had my annual eye exam again and the retinopathy was no better. I still had blood leaking / seeping through my retina and I had some "floaters." I then had laser surgery on both eyes again but this time I had two different laser procedures. I had the focal point laser again and also had a pan-retinal laser done on both eyes. As a result I have lost some of my peripheral vision and I have trouble seeing in dim lighting. I also have mild color-blindness when it comes to blues and greens. These are all side effects of the laser.

At around the same time I developed another pressure ulcer on my right foot under the "pinky" toe. I was taking care of it the same way that I was with the ulcer on my toe (at the direction of a podiatrist) and I thought everything was okay. Unbeknownst to me an infection developed under the skin. I was using the wrong kind of tape and it was creating the perfect environment for the bacteria.

In December 2014 I went to my podiatrist for a regular follow-up visit. He saw my foot and immediately told me that I had to be admitted to the hospital. I had a large area of necrotic tissue and gangrene had set in. So off to the hospital I went. I was in the hospital for 7 days. I had surgery to debride the wound, but they couldn't save my pinky toe and had to amputate it. Then I spent the next five months in wound care as my foot healed. During that time I also had 6 weeks of IV antibiotics to kill the staph (fortunately not MRSA) and strep infection in my bloodstream causing sepsis.

In April 2015 I met with my diabetes doctor and he was concerned that because I had such bad neuropathy in my toes that I could also have a condition called Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy and referred me to a cardiologist / electrophysiologist. I then had a nuclear stress test that showed abnormal results. Then I had a heart cath done and that's when they found the blockages. I had about 10-12 blockages total in 4 arteries. So I was then scheduled for a CABG. On 06/22/2015 I had a quadruple bypass. I've been doing well as far as the healing is concerned. I went back to work last week but I think going back full time may have been a mistake.

So here's my dilemma. I'm 42, diabetic, and I have several health issues. My eyes are not getting any better. I have almost no sensation in my feet. I've now had a toe amputated and 4 bypass grafts on my heart. I have to drive over 100 miles a day round trip to work. I live in one of the poorest counties in the state so there are no good paying jobs close to home.

I want your input.

zippy2 · Sep 10, 2015

My dear, I think you need to at least apply. The worst they can do is say no. But the most important thing is get your A1C back down. (blood sugar) That would solve many of your problems as you know. Call the SS about your conditions and they will send you to who you need to talk to. However, I would work as long as i could because you'll never go down that road again. Trust me. Good luck.

Troy Rambo · Sep 11, 2015

ranyhyn said:
Hello everyone,

To the moderators - I am not 100% sure that this is the correct forum / area to post this kind of thread. If this would be more appropriate in another location I would ask that it be moved to where it belongs.

I know that there are people here on CF that are all over the world. This thread is going to specifically apply to the US because that's where I live. I'm considering filing for disability and I wanted to see if anyone on here has any info, advice, etc that they can provide to help me make my decision. I am currently employed full-time, but over the last two years I've had a somewhat rough go health-wise and I'm afraid I might be in jeopardy of losing my job because of it.

I am a type 2 diabetic I was diagnosed when I was 21 and I'm now 42. I have a family history of diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Two years ago I developed a pressure ulcer on my left great toe. I have severe neuropathy in my toes and feet. At the same time I went in for my annual eye exam and found out that I had diabetic retinopathy as well. I had to have laser surgery on both eyes (Focal Point Laser). Over the next year I continued to deal with the ulcer on my toe and my eyesight not getting any better.

I know that the problems I was / am having are mostly related to my diabetes. I have not had good control over the last few years even though I'm on an insulin pump. Last August (08/2014) I had my annual eye exam again and the retinopathy was no better. I still had blood leaking / seeping through my retina and I had some "floaters." I then had laser surgery on both eyes again but this time I had two different laser procedures. I had the focal point laser again and also had a pan-retinal laser done on both eyes. As a result I have lost some of my peripheral vision and I have trouble seeing in dim lighting. I also have mild color-blindness when it comes to blues and greens. These are all side effects of the laser.

At around the same time I developed another pressure ulcer on my right foot under the "pinky" toe. I was taking care of it the same way that I was with the ulcer on my toe (at the direction of a podiatrist) and I thought everything was okay. Unbeknownst to me an infection developed under the skin. I was using the wrong kind of tape and it was creating the perfect environment for the bacteria.

In December 2014 I went to my podiatrist for a regular follow-up visit. He saw my foot and immediately told me that I had to be admitted to the hospital. I had a large area of necrotic tissue and gangrene had set in. So off to the hospital I went. I was in the hospital for 7 days. I had surgery to debride the wound, but they couldn't save my pinky toe and had to amputate it. Then I spent the next five months in wound care as my foot healed. During that time I also had 6 weeks of IV antibiotics to kill the staph (fortunately not MRSA) and strep infection in my bloodstream causing sepsis.

In April 2015 I met with my diabetes doctor and he was concerned that because I had such bad neuropathy in my toes that I could also have a condition called Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy and referred me to a cardiologist / electrophysiologist. I then had a nuclear stress test that showed abnormal results. Then I had a heart cath done and that's when they found the blockages. I had about 10-12 blockages total in 4 arteries. So I was then scheduled for a CABG. On 06/22/2015 I had a quadruple bypass. I've been doing well as far as the healing is concerned. I went back to work last week but I think going back full time may have been a mistake.

So here's my dilemma. I'm 42, diabetic, and I have several health issues. My eyes are not getting any better. I have almost no sensation in my feet. I've now had a toe amputated and 4 bypass grafts on my heart. I have to drive over 100 miles a day round trip to work. I live in one of the poorest counties in the state so there are no good paying jobs close to home.

I want your input.

Im on disability for mental issues. But Im pretty sure that my mental issues results from my spiritual issues. So now that Im getting back on track with the Lord, I may no longer be disabled and I will have to consider coming off disability. Your issues sound worse than mine, so I think you may have a really good chance of getting it. They always turn you down the first time, but dont give up. Stay persistent until they give in. And keep praying for healing from the Lord.

ranyhyn · Sep 11, 2015

Thank you both for the replies. I went down to my local SS office yesterday and made an appointment for next week. That's when I'll submit my actual application. And we'll just have to see where it goes from there. I also talked to my primary care physician on Tuesday and he thinks that I should have a fairly good chance at it. Several people that my wife knows have suggested a company, that several of them have personally used, to assist if necessary.

Troy - my wife is currently on disability and hers is related to mental illness. Hers is not spiritual in nature and she has attempted to go back to work several times but can't.

Zippy - I would prefer to work because I can make more money working than I can on disability. BUT because of my medical issues I have to miss a fair amount of work. That has actually led to my termination from my job. Our company's policy states that we accrue time and attendance "points" when we're late, leave early, call in sick, etc. We/re only allowed to accrue a certain amount of points during any given 12 month period. I went over so I was terminated. Now the reason that I was over is because I had to use all of my paid leave and illness benefit during the last year. And I also missed quite a few days because of the diabetes and such.

But... regardless of how this all turns out all I can still say is PRAISE GOD. He has never let me down and I don't believe He will start now. May God bless both of you as well.

Troy Rambo · Sep 12, 2015

I suppose I shouldnt assume that everyone is just like me, but I do think I should share my story just in case someone may learn from it.

zippy2 · Sep 12, 2015

ranyhyn said:
Thank you both for the replies. I went down to my local SS office yesterday and made an appointment for next week. That's when I'll submit my actual application. And we'll just have to see where it goes from there. I also talked to my primary care physician on Tuesday and he thinks that I should have a fairly good chance at it. Several people that my wife knows have suggested a company, that several of them have personally used, to assist if necessary.

Troy - my wife is currently on disability and hers is related to mental illness. Hers is not spiritual in nature and she has attempted to go back to work several times but can't.

Zippy - I would prefer to work because I can make more money working than I can on disability. BUT because of my medical issues I have to miss a fair amount of work. That has actually led to my termination from my job. Our company's policy states that we accrue time and attendance "points" when we're late, leave early, call in sick, etc. We/re only allowed to accrue a certain amount of points during any given 12 month period. I went over so I was terminated. Now the reason that I was over is because I had to use all of my paid leave and illness benefit during the last year. And I also missed quite a few days because of the diabetes and such.

But... regardless of how this all turns out all I can still say is PRAISE GOD. He has never let me down and I don't believe He will start now. May God bless both of you as well.

I think you will have a very good chance of gaining benefits since you lost your job because of your disability. (I did not see that part-I thought you were 'afraid' you would lose it.) But if you already did lose it, then I bet they give you benefits. This is very good news. It will take alot of stress off you were you can take better care of yourself. Hang in there and keep us posted ok?

ranyhyn · Sep 13, 2015

Troy - I agree. Share your story because I'm sure someone will learn from what you've gone through or may be in a similar circumstance and may have questions.

Zippy - at the time I made the original post I still had my job. I was terminated this past Tuesday when I had to miss yet another day of work. I live 50+ miles from the office where I worked. I woke up and literally fell asleep sitting on the side of the bed. I didn't feel that it was safe for me to drive. I did end up driving into my doctor (who isn't too far from the office) and spoke with him. Then I stopped by my work to talk to a few people and to try and get a definitive answer to whether I would still have a job. They had me sign the termination papers that afternoon rather than have me come back in the morning only to sign them and have to go back home.

zippy2 · Sep 13, 2015

I am so sorry ranyhyn. That is a hard thing to go through. And I think for men it is even harder than for women. But now like I said you can start to take better care of yourself. Heck, driving 50 miles there and 50 miles home, I don't know how you even made the commute! I hope you are doing better today.

ranyhyn · Sep 13, 2015

zippy2 said:
I am so sorry ranyhyn. That is a hard thing to go through. And I think for men it is even harder than for women. But now like I said you can start to take better care of yourself. Heck, driving 50 miles there and 50 miles home, I don't know how you even made the commute! I hope you are doing better today.

I've been doing that drive for almost 15 years (not for the same job though). I've had 3 jobs since moving here in 2001. Each job has been located about 50 miles from where I live. Unfortunately, I live in one of the poorest counties in our state. There is not much in the way of the kind of work that I do here. So I've had to go to where the jobs are located.

I'm at peace with what has happened. All I can say is PRAISE GOD. He's never let me down before. I am feeling better because at least now I know what direction I need to head for right now. Going to work every day not knowing if it's going to be your last is difficult. I made a lot of good friends there so I will miss seeing them every morning though...so that might end up being the hardest part... LOL...

I am doing much better... had a great service at church this morning. Got to eat lunch with my parents and my brother. All in all it's been a great day. And tomorrow will be also...

Cactus Jack · Sep 29, 2015

Just do it. Apply, and have your doctor backing you up.
You're in my prayers.

zippy2 · Sep 29, 2015

I am thankful you are feeling better. Hang in there, sweetie. You wlll get the SSD.

raggedycamel · Oct 4, 2015

ranyhyn said:
Hello everyone,

To the moderators - I am not 100% sure that this is the correct forum / area to post this kind of thread. If this would be more appropriate in another location I would ask that it be moved to where it belongs.

I know that there are people here on CF that are all over the world. This thread is going to specifically apply to the US because that's where I live. I'm considering filing for disability and I wanted to see if anyone on here has any info, advice, etc that they can provide to help me make my decision. I am currently employed full-time, but over the last two years I've had a somewhat rough go health-wise and I'm afraid I might be in jeopardy of losing my job because of it.

I am a type 2 diabetic I was diagnosed when I was 21 and I'm now 42. I have a family history of diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Two years ago I developed a pressure ulcer on my left great toe. I have severe neuropathy in my toes and feet. At the same time I went in for my annual eye exam and found out that I had diabetic retinopathy as well. I had to have laser surgery on both eyes (Focal Point Laser). Over the next year I continued to deal with the ulcer on my toe and my eyesight not getting any better.

I know that the problems I was / am having are mostly related to my diabetes. I have not had good control over the last few years even though I'm on an insulin pump. Last August (08/2014) I had my annual eye exam again and the retinopathy was no better. I still had blood leaking / seeping through my retina and I had some "floaters." I then had laser surgery on both eyes again but this time I had two different laser procedures. I had the focal point laser again and also had a pan-retinal laser done on both eyes. As a result I have lost some of my peripheral vision and I have trouble seeing in dim lighting. I also have mild color-blindness when it comes to blues and greens. These are all side effects of the laser.

At around the same time I developed another pressure ulcer on my right foot under the "pinky" toe. I was taking care of it the same way that I was with the ulcer on my toe (at the direction of a podiatrist) and I thought everything was okay. Unbeknownst to me an infection developed under the skin. I was using the wrong kind of tape and it was creating the perfect environment for the bacteria.

In December 2014 I went to my podiatrist for a regular follow-up visit. He saw my foot and immediately told me that I had to be admitted to the hospital. I had a large area of necrotic tissue and gangrene had set in. So off to the hospital I went. I was in the hospital for 7 days. I had surgery to debride the wound, but they couldn't save my pinky toe and had to amputate it. Then I spent the next five months in wound care as my foot healed. During that time I also had 6 weeks of IV antibiotics to kill the staph (fortunately not MRSA) and strep infection in my bloodstream causing sepsis.

In April 2015 I met with my diabetes doctor and he was concerned that because I had such bad neuropathy in my toes that I could also have a condition called Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy and referred me to a cardiologist / electrophysiologist. I then had a nuclear stress test that showed abnormal results. Then I had a heart cath done and that's when they found the blockages. I had about 10-12 blockages total in 4 arteries. So I was then scheduled for a CABG. On 06/22/2015 I had a quadruple bypass. I've been doing well as far as the healing is concerned. I went back to work last week but I think going back full time may have been a mistake.

So here's my dilemma. I'm 42, diabetic, and I have several health issues. My eyes are not getting any better. I have almost no sensation in my feet. I've now had a toe amputated and 4 bypass grafts on my heart. I have to drive over 100 miles a day round trip to work. I live in one of the poorest counties in the state so there are no good paying jobs close to home.

I want your input.

I have type 2 diabetes as well and it is soooo important to take care of your feet. And I know that things can happen that are out of your hands.

With all the issues you have listed, you should get it. You shouldn't have to work with those problems because they are affecting you severely.

My mom had the nuclear stress test. She has a stint in her artery I think. I don't know exactly the details, I'd have to ask her, but from what I understood, she had a 90% blockage. That is soooo dangerous.

Now, one thing I must tell you - more than likely, they will deny your first application to SSD. They did for me and most other people I know who are on it. But go back to them if they do, and re-apply.

Well, I'm speaking from the way they done my first application for it... and I live in KY. (I have psychosis and depression... the psych doc has a fancy name for it... I also have 2 herniated discs in my lumbar spine, C4/5 C5/6 radiculopathy, type 2 diabetes, seizures, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney stones and constant UTIs, tinnitus, and the list goes on... I've had over 6 surgeries, etc).

It's very VERY important that you apply. From what you have listed about your illnesses, you need it. I don't mean to advocate or promote SSD, but in the shape your body is in, you do need it. Also, you might have to go see certain doctors for them to let SS know that you are disabled.

I'm trying to remember how it went for me, just in case any info I can give you might help.

My prayers are with you. God bless you ranyhyn.

ranyhyn · Oct 6, 2015

raggedycamel said:
I have type 2 diabetes as well and it is soooo important to take care of your feet. And I know that things can happen that are out of your hands.

With all the issues you have listed, you should get it. You shouldn't have to work with those problems because they are affecting you severely.

My mom had the nuclear stress test. She has a stint in her artery I think. I don't know exactly the details, I'd have to ask her, but from what I understood, she had a 90% blockage. That is soooo dangerous.

Now, one thing I must tell you - more than likely, they will deny your first application to SSD. They did for me and most other people I know who are on it. But go back to them if they do, and re-apply.

Well, I'm speaking from the way they done my first application for it... and I live in KY. (I have psychosis and depression... the psych doc has a fancy name for it... I also have 2 herniated discs in my lumbar spine, C4/5 C5/6 radiculopathy, type 2 diabetes, seizures, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney stones and constant UTIs, tinnitus, and the list goes on... I've had over 6 surgeries, etc).

It's very VERY important that you apply. From what you have listed about your illnesses, you need it. I don't mean to advocate or promote SSD, but in the shape your body is in, you do need it. Also, you might have to go see certain doctors for them to let SS know that you are disabled.

I'm trying to remember how it went for me, just in case any info I can give you might help.

My prayers are with you. God bless you ranyhyn.

I appreciate your reply. I know what you mean about the possible denial on the first try. I know that nowadays the majority of applications are denied on the initial application. That's why there are so many attorneys involved in these kinds of cases I think. I'm hoping that I might get lucky and have it approved without having to appeal. My dad got his disability approved on his first application - but that was 35 years ago. I'm willing to appeal and do what I can, up to and including hiring an attorney if necessary, to see it through.

Sorry to hear that you have so many issues affecting you. My sister-in-law has rheumatoid arthritis and she has developed a rheumatic lung actually. I see how she suffers with the pain of that disease. My wife has several mental illnesses as well so I know where you're coming from there too. I've had three lumbar disk surgeries to repair several herniated / fully ruptured disks. Mine were L4/L5 and L5/S1. The sciatica I had with those was unbearable at times. And a guy at our church had a cervical fusion done just over a year ago and he still suffers from major migraines all the time. I will keep you in my prayers as well because I can't imagine the cumulative effect all of your issues must have...

What I don't like though is the stigma that some people associate with the idea of "being on disability." A lot of people think that people on disability are just lazy and don't want to go to work. I'm sure there are many who are on disability for that reason. I have to admit that I used to have that kind of attitude. I don't have that attitude any longer. I used to get upset when I would see people who, for all intents and purposes, "appeared" "healthy" yet they were parked in a handicap space and had a placard. Well if someone were to see me they would probably think the same thing when they see me using the riding cart at Walmart or Kroger.

I would prefer to be able to get up and go to work every single morning and not have to take sick days. Or have to worry that if I get behind the wheel of a car that I might fall asleep behind the wheel. Or that I wasn't 1/2 blind when driving at night. I wish that there were decent paying jobs that were closer to home.

At any rate I thank you for your input. It's much appreciated. I will definitely be posting updates on this thread as to whether I get approved or not. I've received some correspondence from the adjudication agency that is reviewing my claim. They've sent me a couple of forms to fill out and send back. One was to get a detailed job history for the last 15 years. And other is a function report that asks about how my illness/condition/etc affects me in regards to being able to work, daily activities, etc. Just have to finish answer a couple of questions on that one and fax it back. Then we see where it goes from there.

Considering filing for disability...

Put on the whole armour of God...

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May the Force be with you

Put on the whole armour of God...

May the Force be with you

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Put on the whole armour of God...

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Put on the whole armour of God...

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Goodbye

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